Maracatu Drumming Workshop (Afro-Brazilian Rhythms in Anglesea!)
Description
Discover Maracatu, one of Brazil’s most powerful drumming traditions!
Maracatu de Baque Virado comes from Recife, in the state of Pernambuco in North East Brazil. Its roots go back to the colonial era, when enslaved Africans held processions to crown their own Kings and Queens of Congo. Kept alive for centuries by Afro-Brazilian communities, it is still the heartbeat of Recife’s Carnival, where groups called nações (nations) parade through the streets with dozens of deep drums, call-and-response chants and dancers.
In this 2-hour hands-on workshop you’ll learn the syncopated rhythms of maracatu on traditional instruments:
alfaias: big wooden bass drums
caixas: snare drums
agbê: beaded shakers
gonguê: an iron bell that holds the groove together
No experience needed: complete beginners and experienced players are equally welcome, and we provide all the instruments. Just bring your energy (and some water).
Your facilitator
Humberto Porto is a Melbourne-based Brazilian cultural producer, educator, percussionist, traditional drum luthier and researcher specialising in Afro-Brazilian music and cultural traditions. His practice is centred on preserving and sharing living cultural heritage through performance, education, community participation, and intercultural collaboration.He taught maracatu workshops and performed in Canada, the UAE, England, Italy, Germany, Spain and across Australia. He is the founder and leader of Baque Voador, a maracatu group based in Naarm.
About Baque Voador
Baque Voador is an Afro-Brazilian drumming group based in Naarm (Melbourne). It plays the drumming traditions of North East Brazil, with Maracatu de Baque Virado as its main reference. The group mixes traditional chants and rhythms with original songs and arrangements, always in reverence to the traditional roots. It performs at festivals and events and runs workshops and school incursions. More at baquevoador.com.au.
Practical info
Sunday 29 November, 2:30–4:30pm
Anglesea Memorial Hall, Surf Coast VIC
1A McMillan Street, Anglesea 3230$40 full, $30 concession
Enquiries: baquevoador@gmail.com
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